October 16, 2015

What a strange and disturbing week. Too much death. Got a phonecall last night from a close friend who wanted to talk about the death of three important people. I said, "Blue Blake? Yes. I heard. Just awful. Who else?" He says, "Gino Colbert and David Forrest." What?????? My jaw dropped to the floor and I couldn't speak. Totally shocking. Still in shock. David Forrest was a porn agent and we had to deal with him when we cast some of his clients in our plays and I didn't really know him personally. Gino Colbert on the other hand was one of my closet friends for a while. I met him when we brought Making Porn to LA. He was the first person in the industry to bring porn stars to come see the show and he invited me to his set where I met Blue Blake and got the idea to do the documentary. Gino starred in the movie we made and him and I became great friends and he appeared in some of my plays around the country. He was a very nice man. He seemed to know everyone on the planet. He introduced me to some fascinating people. Eventually our friendship drifted apart and we lost contact. In recent years our relationship consisted of him sending me a birthday e-mail saying, "Happy Birthday, Playwright Larsen." I would write back inviting him to lunch, which never happened, and then another year would pass...then last year he showed up at The Penis Talk Show in LA and it was great to see him again and that was it. I find out yesterday he died this summer of a heart attack, alone in his apartment, just like Blue Blake. Both starred in my plays and my documentary and both died in their 50's. Way too young. So sad. Life is way too short. I relearn that lesson every single day.

October 13, 2015

"You know, your life is a journey. And you climb on and off you go. And it's not like, you know, I've had a great life. I've met some incredible people. I've been to some incredible places. I've seen some incredible things. I've been so, so, so lucky. If I died tomorrow, I wouldn't regret, I wouldn't feel oh god I wish I'd done this, I wish I'd done that. And so porn for me is part of the journey at the moment." Blue Blake, July 14, 1963 - Oct. 13th, 2015

October 28, 2012

November 28, 2011

"Really well done one man show! Powerful, interesting, and definitely unique. Also funny and thought provoking. Prepare yourself for the subject material. Makes for an interesting evening out..."

"While this definitely feels like a work in progress, it still is an intense piece. Particularly for the Gacy segment, you are riveted to the action in a disturbing way."

"Great performance. Okay writing. Still trying to figure out the link between Divine and Gacy. Gacy part was riveting. Divine part was funny, but didn't make me really care that much about her."

"Play needs a bit more work. The part about Gacy is really intense and developed but the part on Divine needs work. I didn't feel that his demons where as apparent but good first production of the play. Ronnie Larson did a good job."

"It was chilling at times. I found it very interesting and enjoyable. The only negative thing was the lighting. I'd recommend it."

November 24, 2011

Just saw Hugo and The Muppets. Seeing J. Edgar now. Didn't really luke The Muppets. I admired Hugo more than I liked it. Saw the trailer for Titanic where they are promoting it as the most beloved film of all time. LOL. That's news to me. James Cameron is so talented and sooooooo arrogant.

November 23, 2011

I was disappointed that I didn't see you after the performance at the Boxcar last night.

I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your delightful show. I always feel lucky when I see a show that makes me laugh or when a show makes me think. When a show touches my heart, that is especially rare and precious.

"Making Porn" does all of that, and more. Add to that, the fact that the entire cast, each in his or her own way is beautiful, makes for a very special experience.

I've been lucky enough to see a couple of your previous shows. Obviously, I liked them enough to see this one. I was sure I would enjoy "Making Porn", I am so grateful that you created this show. I truly loved it.

On the way out of the theater after the production I got to talk to a couple of the actors. It was suggested that I come see the show again. Usually I don't get into San Francisco often and rarely see a show twice but this time I am taking their suggestion and am looking forward to seeing you all again this coming Sunday.

Actors will be paid $120.00 a week for performance weeks only. There is no pay for the rehearsal period.

This is a non-equity, non-union production.

Filming

We intend to film the play and make it available on DVD. The filming part of the production will be funded through Kickstarter.com and if the Kickstarter campaign is successful the 5 actors will divide 50% of all money raised. Ronnie Larsen, though acting in the play will not be included in the profit pool for the Kickstarter campaign.The other 50% of the money will go toward the creation and distribution of the DVD. Actors will not receive future residuals or royalties from the DVD. Sole ownership of the DVD will belong to Ronnie Larsen

Below is the cast breakdown as well as a synopsis of the play. More information can be found at RonnieLarsen.com and scripts can be accessed and downloaded there as well.

Synopsis

Set in San Francisco in the early 1980s, Making Porn, focuses on the lives of six people involved in the gay pornography industry. Jack Hawk, a straight, out-of-work actor is hired by gay porn producer, Arthur Mack, to star in his newest porn movie entitled, Cops. Included in the films cast are Ray Tanner, a jaded porn star of 70 films and a bright, young new-commer named Ricky. Complications arise when Jacks wife, Linda, finds out about her husbands new career and Arthur's lover, Jamie, falls in love with one of the actors.

Character Breakdown

Arthur - Age Range 30-50. A middle-aged porn director. This role is already cast and will be played by Ronnie Larsen.

Jamie - Age range 30's. Arthur's partner who falls in love with Ricky. This role is already cast and will be played by Jared Scott.

Jack - Age range 20-30. A straight actor who gets in to gay porn films for the money. Must be masculine, handsome and in great shape. Full-frontal nudity required.

Linda - Age range 20-30. Jack's loving wife who has no idea her husband is making porn. No nudity.

Ray - Age range 20-40 A bitter and jaded gay porn star with a wry sense of humor. Full frontal nudity required.

Ricky - Age 19. A young kid who is brand-new to the gay porn industry. Should be extremely cute and energetic. Full-frontal nudity required.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals will begin Sept. 12th. Dates and times to be announced.

We will be in the theater for 2 weekends in the evening before opening on Sept. 22, 23, 24 and 25 and Sept. 29, 30, Oct. 1 and 2. These dates are incredibly important. It is incredibly important for all actors to be at all rehearsals. So if you're not available for these dates, please don't submit your resume.

Ronnie Larsen, the director will be in town Sept, 12, 13, 14 and will be available all day and night to meet with actors and rehearse anytime around actor's schedules. The more flexible your schedule is the better.

July 26, 2011

Harry Potter: Great Actors! Great Design! Great Effects! Totally boring. I've seen every one, each time hoping that I might actually care emotionally about anything on the screen but it rarely happens. I'm jealous of those who find an emotional connection in the movies cause I've never cared about any of the drama/conflict/story. I love looking at the design and listening to great actors talk but mostly I just sit there scratching my head.

July 19, 2011

I just delivered the puppy here in America. They didn't even look at her papers. Wow, it's easier to get a dog across the border than my fiancee. Thanks, DOMA, for giving dogs more rights than gay and lesbian bi-national couples.

So I met a guy tonight at a party in San Diego and he looked vaguely familiar but I had no idea where I knew him from so I said, "Haven't we met before?" He said, "I'm not sure. You sort of look familiar. Maybe it was Pistons." Pistons is a bar in Long Beach I hung out at YEARS ago. Then it hit me and I blurted out, "Ohhhh, we had sex once! A long time ago. In LA" He says, "Oh ya! Hey, how are you?"

We drove by a lump in the middle of the road. We realized it was a dog. Barely moving. We turned around. He's in horrible shape. One leg is just dangling. His fur is horribly matted. He has infections. He's a small white poodle. Very sad. We scooped him up. Brought him home. He won't eat. We'll take him to the vet in the morning but this dog's future seems very grim. Very sad. So many stray and struggling dogs in Mexico. Very disturbing.

June 24, 2011

Yessss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Marriage Equality in NY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So goes NY so goes the country!!!!!!!!!!!! What a huge moment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

June 04, 2011

May 19, 2011

Another great porn theatre, gone! Sad. What is the world coming to? Thanks, Gino, for sending this.

_______

Hello!

Just heard the good ol' Westwood Theatre on Sylvania Ave. is closing its doors this Saturday with a sale of fixtures to follow on Wednesday, which I find quite sad. I hope someone at the paper writes a well-deserved story on the place, which was a Toledo icon for decades. It is truly the end of an era that many might take for granted, but the theatre was an important piece of Toledo film and cultural history that shouldn't be overlooked.

The Westwood and the Eastwood (on E. Broadway, which I believe is still standing) were built as sister neighborhood houses, both to accommodate silent film. In fact, the Westwood, though it never had a stage, still has an orchestra pit and off to the sides of the proscenium a pipe chamber for when it had a pipe organ in the day. Both theatres had the same stadium seating floor plan, long before it became popular in movie houses worldwide, the same exact chandeliers and matching marquees, though the Westwood had a remodeling job in the 60's when it became the Westwood Art Theatre.

Besides being a porn house for most of its life (operated by the now defunct Art Theatre Guild chain, which is why it managed to survive), it often ran foreign films long before they were fashionable. I remember when Ingmar Bergman's "Persona" (1966) played there, starring Bibi Andersson and Liv Ullmann, among many other Bergman films. Although such a film would be laughed at today, back then it was daring beyond belief. And of course, "Deep Throat" and "The Devil In Miss Jones" played there, which caused quite a stir in Toledo. I remember the theatre was sued by a customer who found "Deep Throat" to be offensive and obscene, and a famous First Amendment attorney by the name of Herald Price Fahringer was brought in to defend the case. It also played "The Stewardesses" in 1969, which became the most successful 3-D porn film in history. The theatre was no stranger to controversy and long lines that stretched around the block. As the business changed due to home video, the lobby was converted into a video/DVD store, which helped it to survive in the changing times.

The Westwood was also known for its midnight shows, one of the most popular being "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," which ran for years, and the William Friedkin-directed "The Boys In The Band." It brought films to Toledo that were edgy and controversial for the time and gave Toledoans a chance to see the same fare that were playing in the major cities.

Although intended to be built as a stage house during the vaudeville era, the stage was never completed, though the dressing rooms and orchestra pit were. It's truly a shame a developer couldn't go in and turn the place into a playhouse. All it would need is to knock out the back wall and build the stage it was meant to have. It would be perfect for community theatre. It has potential and should be saved.

I'm not sure if the entire building is being knocked down or what the plans are, as I live in Los Angeles and only hear of these things from family in Toledo.

I remember the Westwood well. From time to time, it would drop its adults only policy and play an occasional mainstream film. I remember seeing the lengthy "War and Peace" there sometime in the 60's. I also remember it offering free coffee to its patrons.

I hope you can use some of this if indeed you write a piece and feel free to quote me.

May 10, 2011

Would anyone be interested in seeing a documentary about the street musicians of Tijuana? I'm think of putting it on Kickstarter.com. But is anyone, besides me, even remotely interested in this subject?

Someone at a party said I should act as a tour guide for nervous Americans and show them around the Red List District of Tijuana.I could take them to all the gay bathhouses. lol Take them to all the nasty hot spots. Hmmmmmm. Interesting idea. Lord knows I know where they all are!

May 06, 2011

Hey performers, if you're in LA, you would be lucky to have the chance to work with Michael Kearns. I'm passing this on. Micheal's great. We did a play together and he was always the smartest one in the room. Great guy and great teacher.

______________

The ancient art of solo storytelling continues to enthrall artists and audiences alike

6 Week Intensive On Developing Your One-Person Show

What do…Will Ferrell, Eric Bogosian, Lily Tomlin, John Leguiziamo, Charlayne Woodard, Danny Hoch, Sandra Bernhard, Hershey Felder, John Fleck, Margaret Cho, Anna Deveare-Smith, Tracy Ullman, Jackie Mason, & Elaine Stritch… have in common? They each took control of their destinies, jump-started their careers, and empowered their lives doing one-person shows.Michael Kearns & Tony Abatemarco, two veterans of solo performance and co-founders of The Katselas Theatre Company's INKubator - the new wildly successful play development series – will help you develop the one-person show that will lead to self-empowerment and career enhancement.

First time writers/performers looking to find their voice

Established performers who want to fine-tune their newest work

Breaking new ground or portraying an historical figure

Telling your own story or bringing a village full of characters to life

The Instructors: Michael KearnsMichael Kearns' theatrical career has been largely defined by solo performance—from his two lauded books on the subject (Getting Your Solo Act Together and The Solo Performer's Journey) to the many hats he's worn as a solo artist: director, teacher writer-performer and dramaturg. From The Truth Is Bad Enough, his first "written and performed by" outing, to dramaturgical duties on Alex Davis' Man of the Year (produced at NY's Knitting Factory in 2011), Kearns' work, including the internationally acclaimed intimacies, has not abated for forty years.

Tony Abatemarco

For 3 decades, Tony has written, performed, directed, produced or taught theatre all over the world, and won some of Los Angeles' highest honors doing so. He has directed Julie Harris solo as Isak Dinesen on Broadway and for A&E, as well as Robyn Peterson in the West End. As a performer, he has done 4 solo shows. His two originals, FOUR FATHERS and COLOGNE, have both won awards and have been performed around the country, the latter having just completed an extended run at the SkyLab. He is an adjunct professor at USC's School of Theatre and holds an Endowed Chair at Santa Monica Emeritus College. He has also coached or mentored privately, with students including Oscar nominees Johnny Depp and Mary McDonnell, and TRUE BLOOD star Deborah Ann Woll. His film & tv credits are innumerable.

So is it better to update directly on Facebook or if I do it via my gmail is that fine, too? Does it make a difference? Any opinions? Cause if I update via gmail it goes to my blog, Twitter and Facebook. 3 birds with one e-mail. Hmmmmm. And what happens to the photo if I attach it via gmail? Will it show up? Ok sending now.

February 22, 2011

I can't think of anything to say about Burlesque. Cher could take a dump on my head and I'd still love her. I didn't roll my eyes but I also didn't enjoy myself either. It wasn't Showgirls and it wasn't Chicago. It was...I dont know. I just didn't care about any of it. I didn't believe it. But I didn't hate it. it doesn't work but I'm not sure why. It's not even mildly entertaining. But it's not the awfulness of Showgirls. I'm stymied. I'm so tired of Stanley Tucci playing these wise, witty and condescending gay assistant parts. You know it's sort of like somebody wanted to create a fantasy-vehicle for Christina Aguilera but they forgot to actually compose songs worth listening to. It really is a mystery this movie. I felt like I'd seen every scene before in 20 other movies. Did anyone like this movie? Checking RottenTomatoes.com now.

The place to see movies NOW is Mexico. The major chain in Mexico, Cinepolis just lowered its prices to 19 pesos per movie. That's about $1.50 per movie for first run movies. You could go to the cineplex and see 5 movies all day for under 10 dollars. And these are first run movies in very nice theaters. It's a great Mexico perk. We saw Burlesque tonight and we are very glad we only paid 19 pesos per ticket.

In a first for the global airline industry, a newly-formed Thai airline seeks to employ the "third sex" to promote equal opportunities for transsexuals, according to the Telegraph.

PC Air boss Peter Chan has already recruited six transsexual crew members and will hire more. He told the Agence France Presse that the recruitment was driven by a belief in equal rights.

Chan added to the Telegraph:

I think these people can have many careers - not just in the entertainment business - and many of them have a dream to be an air hostess. I just made their dream come true. Our society has changed. It's evolution. I'm a pioneer and I'm sure there will be other organisations following my idea.

Although being transsexual is hardly a must for the position, Chan insists that all job applicants be able to speak the language and be able to provide good service to customers.

Roughly 100 people applied for the first round of jobs, according to the AFP, including the winner of the Miss Tiffany pageant in 2007, Thanyarat "Film" Jiraphatpakorn.

The 23-year old told Thailand's Nation newspaper: "At first I thought they would just take applications but not actually recruit us, as happened at other places before," but she was nevertheless delighted to be hired.

All transsexual flight attendants will have a "third sex" name tag attached to their uniforms to help with immigration, according to the Nation.